GW Law Faculty Publications & Other Works

Document Type

Book Part

Publication Date

2015

Status

Accepted

Abstract

We are in the midst of a paradigm shift in the food industry. People are more closely examining the impact of food not only on their health and wellness but also on the environment. Some are also concerned about the relationship between food and animal welfare as well as resource scarcities. Big food conglomerates face competition from upstart rivals. The for-profit companies profiled in this work, Nu-tek Food Science, Lyrical Foods, Hampton Creek, Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods, Modern Meadow, and Rosa Labs, are leading the reinvention of condiments and food. Although picking winners and also-rans represents a difficult endeavor, some of these firms will emerge to successfully challenge less nimble food conglomerates. Sustainable, profitable, and scalable companies that create better products will gain market share and ultimately win out, at least among more discerning consumers. As scientists and entrepreneurs seek to rework our relationship with animals and the planet, policy issues run throughout this work. These include the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's standards for products as well as the regulation of cultured meat. The possible consolidation of the U.S. food safety inspection system into one federal agency is also considered. Funders evidence an interest in these non-traditional food startups. A group of major venture capital firms have made a variety of big bets on these firms. Tech billionaires are also in the game. These investments have given the alternative food industry a tremendous shot of creditability.

GW Paper Series

GWU Law School Public Law Research Paper No. 2015-23; GWU Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2015-23

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